STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
Three Barren County students are receiving statewide recognition for their work in the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s annual poster and essay contest.
Two students from Hiseville Elementary and one from Barren County High School were among this year’s winners, according to a press release from the department.
Poster winners from Hiseville Elementary include second grader Lane Staples and fourth grader Landon Staples. Also, Barren County High School senior Alana Houchens was a winner in the poster contest. All three of these students also won last year.
The theme of this year’s contest was “Bluegrass Roots, Agriculture Strong.”
“Kentucky, known as the Bluegrass State, has deep roots in agriculture. That relationship was at the heart of this year’s annual Poster and Essay Contest,” Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell said in a statement. “Seeing all the wonderful ways our students displayed Kentucky’s agriculture strength was encouraging for our future. Congratulations to each of these winners.”
The department received 711 entries in the contest. Each winning entry is receiving a $100 award from Kentucky Agriculture and Environment in the Classroom. Winning posters and essays will be displayed at the 2026 Kentucky State Fair in Louisville in August. Students will also be honored May 30 at Gallrein Farms in Shelbyville.
Key Facts
• Three Barren County students win in the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s annual poster and essay contest.
• Hiseville Elementary students Lane and Landon Staples and Barren County High School senior Alana Houchens are among this year’s poster winners.
• The contest theme was “Bluegrass Roots, Agriculture Strong,” focusing on Kentucky’s agricultural heritage and strength.
• The Kentucky Department of Agriculture received 711 entries from across the state.
• Each winning student receives a $100 award from Kentucky Agriculture and Environment in the Classroom.
• Winning entries will be displayed at the 2026 Kentucky State Fair in Louisville.
• Winners will be honored May 30 at Gallrein Farms in Shelbyville.
See the full list of winners below.
Poster winners:
Kindergarten: Cora Metts, Spencer County Elementary School
First grade: Veronica Drees, Fort Wright Elementary School
Second grade: Lane Staples, Hiseville Elementary School
Third grade: Henrietta Clay, St. Mary School
Fourth grade: Landon Staples, Hiseville Elementary School
Fifth grade: Colson Barone, Grant’s Lick Elementary School
Sixth grade: Mattox Shelby, Bourbon County Middle School
Seventh grade: Tha Taw, Burns Middle School
Eighth grade: Katya Tarima, Mary Queen of the Holy Rosary
Ninth grade: Avery Bivens, LaRue County High School
10th grade: Kellie Box, LaRue County High School
11th grade: Jenna Bryant, Henry County High School
12th grade: Alana Houchens, Barren County High School
Essay winners:
First grade: Cason Shaw, Metcalfe County Elementary School
Second grade: Reagan Morgan, Metcalfe County Elementary School
Third grade: Rhett Claypool, St. Mary School
Fourth grade: Eli LaCasse, St. Mary School
Fifth grade: Cold McFarland, St. Mary School
Sixth grade: Grayson Johnson, Bullitt Lick Middle School
Seventh grade: Lyric Gerton, St. Mary School
Eighth grade: Lauren Forbis, East Hardin Middle School
Ninth grade: Bryson Lewis, LaRue County High School
10th grade: Embry Stivers, Henry County High School
11th grade: Ava Hamilton, Pikeville High School
12th grade: Cyrus Bivens, LaRue County High School
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